District 2 Boys Game Recap (Wallenpaupack vs. Abington Heights)
Written by: Jon K on January 9, 2020
January 9, 2020
Comets “Reverse” Fortunes for Undefeated Buckhorns
Abington Heights Comets 33, Wallenpaupack Buckhorns 32
CLARKS SUMMIT – The Abington Heights boys’ hoops program has built quite a reputation across District 2. And success in recent years has propelled that notoriety to the statewide level. But, as times change and talented players graduate, the roles were reversed heading into tonight’s matchup. On this night, it was Wallenpaupack coming into the game with the lofty 9-0 mark and rumblings about being the new league powerhouse. The Comets, on the other hand, were simply fighting to keep their head above water.
Some games are a bit sloppy at times, a bit ragged here and there. This one was both and had enough turnovers and bad passes to make both coaches concerned. Each team started out incredibly patient on offense. Mike Malone got a putback to give AH a 6-4 lead after the first quarter. After Jacob Anderson hit a driving shot to give the Comets an 11-7 lead in the second, the Buckorns got a pair of free throws and a nifty layup from Elijah Rosenthal, plus a corner triple by Izaiah Santiago to go into the locker room leading 14-11. The third stanza began with somewhat of an offensive flurry with Corey Perkins and Gerald McGrath trading triples as Paupack took a 21-16 lead. Kyle Nealon then keyed a 5-0 run with a trey and pair of free throws. The third period ended with a pair of free throws by Rosenthal for a 23-21 Paupack lead.
The final quarter also began with teams trading triples (Rosenthal and Perkins). A Gabe Springer putback with 3:45 left gave Wallenpaupack their third 5-point lead of the night (30-25). After Perkins converted 1-2 free throws, Harry Johnson caught fire with back-to-back inside baskets to give AH a 31-30 edge. A pair of free throws by Rosenthal with 1:21 remaining put the Buckhorns back in the lead. In the closing half minute, Springer rejected a Perkins shot setting up the final moments when Perkins drove into the lane and made a twisting pass to find Malone open for a reverse layup with 2.3 ticks left. The final game winning attempt by Rosenthal hit the back of the iron as Comet Nation celebrated.
Springer block with 21.7 left pic.twitter.com/EqGnO35sXh
— LLHoops Neast Beat (@LLHoopsNEPbeat) January 10, 2020
Malone reverse for 33-32 lead pic.twitter.com/KwGp2yVlfa
— LLHoops Neast Beat (@LLHoopsNEPbeat) January 10, 2020
— LLHoops Neast Beat (@LLHoopsNEPbeat) January 10, 2020
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